FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2005

Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Eileen Maxwell, emaxwell@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

Request for Proposals for a National Study on User Satisfaction with Access to Government Information and Services at Public Libraries and Public Access Computing Centers

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is seeking proposals for a national research study on how individuals with limited access to Internet resources (those who do not have broadband access from home, work, or school; who choose to access government services and information from locations other than home, work, or school; or who do so through traditional means of access) access federal, state and local government services and whether such users are satisfied with the access provided by public libraries and public access computing centers.

The study will also examine ways public libraries and public access computing centers provide assistance (e.g., through reference services, tutorials, classes, training) to users seeking federal, state, and local government information and services.

The IMLS solicitation for a cooperative agreement to study user satisfaction with access to government information and services at public libraries and public access computing centers can be found on the Institute’s Web site at: http://www.imls.gov/pdf/access_study.htm

The deadline for proposals to be received at the IMLS is July 20, 2005. The maximum award is $500,000 for a two-year period beginning from the date of the award. The estimated award date is September 30, 2005. IMLS anticipates making a single award for the project.